To think this is not how it should work

[Believeinunicorns]

My current PA is leaving so work are recruiting me a new one. But apparently I have no say in the process and no say in who my new PA is. In the past when I’ve had company’s recruit PA’s for me I’ve always had a say in the process. Aibu to think this is not how it should work and that I should get a say in who my new PA will be?

You are not the employer so no you don't have a right. Would be nice for you to have input but ultimately its not your decision

Even if I was just interviewing them or having some sort of say, that’s how it should work in my opinion

I would think a close relationship like this you should be involved

So go to your employer and argue your case

I’ve tried

What did they say to you then?

I guess it depends on whether the business sees them as literally a personal assistant to YOU or a central function that operates to assist the role holder

If the latter and you aren’t their direct line manager then maybe I see why, they want to know that the person will slot in even if you left. Think you’re being offed and that’s why?!

This is my thought process. In every other company I’ve worked in the person who’s PA it is has been involved in the recruitment process

They would be my PA specifically so not just department/team admin

I’m going to speak to my employer again tomorrow

No they will be a personal assistant to me specifically

You’re right, and that’s crazy. I doubt good PAs will want to work for someone they’ve not met either.

I would feel a lot better if they allowed me to be involved with the process

Have they had issues with people hiring friends in the past and not picking the best candidate? I feel like there has to be more to this?!

When you spoke to them what was their response to you? Surely you asked them why you can't be involved and surely they answered this question?

As a former EA, I can already tell I wouldn't like working for the OP

Well, you’ve asked on AIBU, so of course some posters will twist themselves in knots to say you shouldn’t have any say in it.

Meanwhile, in the real world, of course you’d be on the interview panel and have some role in the recruitment process.

Are you trained in recruitment to make sure you're judging on merit?

Well then, you’d really want her to be on the interview panel, so you could actually clock her and be able to make any sort of decision.

Otherwise you’d be going in completely blind, too.

If it’s an interview panel, complete with a transparent evaluation process, then it won’t be anything but judged on merit.

@TiedUpWithABlackVelvetBand well yeah, but that's a separate point.

So the OP wanting to be part of something you agree she should be part of, immediately flags her to you as someone you’d avoid. OK.

Did you sit in on interviews for other people in the business? I've worked in places where you would be involved, and also places where you wouldn't I'd say both are normal depending on the business size/set up. Does it really matter if the person has all of the right qualities and qualifications for the job?

I don't think she should be part of first round. No.
She's said she's asked her employer, they said no, she said she'll ask again. Makes me feel like she could be a massive pain in the arse

Interesting you are avoiding answering my question OP. Your employer doesn't want you to be part of the process, you say you have spoken to them about this but you won't reveal there response. They will have a reason as to why they don't want you involved. Funny you aren't sharing that with us.